There is nothing I like more than holding a warm drink in my hands as the world outside turns cold and blustery. Normally I stick with tea, coffee or hot chocolate. About a month ago I was state side for a day. Starbucks drew me in with their advertisement for buy one holiday drink get one free deal.
My friend and I were stuck at a mall until her car was fixed. Yes, I do mean stuck, I don’t mind an hour or so ever so often, but 7 hours when you don’t have the inclination to shop or money to spend equals stuck. While wandering the mall, Starbucks peppermint mocha spoke to me, (really it did). You see I have a weakness of chocolate, when you mix it with peppermint, well, I’m a goner.
I got my friend in line and told her I would give her the free drink and used my gift card while I was at it. While waiting my turn the pastry case caught my eye. Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops, 1 for $1.50. How could a girl resist? It was my turn to order, the barista informed me “You can get two for only, $2.50.” He got me, hook, line and sinker.
Off I walked with my peppermint mocha, cake pops in hand feeling a bit giddy. My friend and I settled in to wait for our ride and enjoy our tasty treats. As I sipped my mocha, it hit me, what am I feeding my body?!!! After a few more sips I decided that I could make one that tastes just as good if not better with nourishing, real food ingredients for less than half the price. Then I went back to enjoying the moment. The cake pops were divine by the way, and no I didn’t eat both, I savored the second one the next day with a homemade mocha. Sugar comatose set in, what did I do to myself????
I paused for a moment to think of other real food bloggers that splurge occasionally. I comfort myself remembering that Erin, The Humble Homemaker eats Chick-Fil-A occasionally. No, we’re not perfect but really, I do try to avoid the stuff.
Now I must tell you about this delicious homemade peppermint mocha that won’t leave you feeling blah from a processed sugar overdose. This sweet winter treat is just what you need to warm you on a cold winter day. Made with raw milk, raw honey, organic coffee and cocoa powder this drink is a nourishing alternative that only takes minutes to make, less time than it would take you to drive to the coffee shop. For those of you wanting to avoid dairy feel free to substitute almond milk or thinned coconut milk*. If you don’t want to use raw honey, palm sugar paste or maple syrup are good options.
Peppermint Mocha
2 cups raw milk (almond or thinned coconut milk*)
2 cups strong coffee
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/8 to 1/4 cup raw honey (coconut sugar paste or maple syrup)
2 tsp peppermint extract
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
1. Gently heat your milk on low. If you are using raw milk use a thermometer to be sure it doesn’t exceed 110 degrees F to preserve the beneficial properties of the milk. Pour in the strong coffee.
2. In a small jar make a paste out of your cocoa powder, sweetener and extract. This will prevent lumping when mixed with the milk.
3 Add your cocoa paste and whisk until dissolved.
4. Pour into two cups, top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired.
*To make thinned coconut milk mix one can of full-fat coconut milk with 1 1/2 cans of water.
Now that I’ve finished the peppermint mocha I was drinking while writing this all I can think of is Chick-Fil-A. Sadly the nearest one is another country and a two-hour drive; plus border wait away.
Note to self: Learn to make your own. I would do that today but all I have is chicken legs, not breasts. I guess I will have to eat homemade pizza instead and comfort myself with the thought that I will be minutes from a Chik-Fil-A in less than a week while visiting family for Christmas!
Second Note to Self: As an update, I ate it, it was only semi worth it. Repeat, learn to make your own.
Be on the look out for a Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop and Non-Chik-Fil-A, Chicken Strip Recipe coming in the New Year.
Do you have a favorite drink from a coffee shop that you have recreated?
This post is part of Simple Lives Thursday, Pennywise Platter Thursday, Simple Meals Friday,
This looks/sounds yummy. I am going to definitely make this this weekend. Thank you!
I hope you like it!
This looks amazing! I recently went dairy-free while nursing, can’t wait to try this tomorrow!
I hope you like it! 🙂 Enjoy!